Rough-Legged Hawk

[Doug Brown]

I've had the opportunity over the last couple of days to photograph a collection of captive raptors. What a thrill to get so close to these beautiful birds. Of all the species I've photographed during this shoot, the Rough-Legged Hawk is my favorite.



Canon 1D Mark III, 100mm, f/13, 1/200, ISO 400, 3 flash setup (FAML), hand held

[Maxis Gamez]

Stunning Doug!! Lovely colors and details. The pose and composition is a nice plus!!

Excellent work with the flash technique!

[James Salywoda]

Gorgeous!! I love your composition here with the slightly open bill. That bg really sets off the beautiful feather detail. Well Done!!

[Shawn Marques]

Hi Doug. I really like those richly colored markings. As mentioned, the open beak is a nice touch but also are the slightly opened wings. But I couldn't help myself from lightening up the eye a bit. Beautiful capture here!

[Doug Brown]

Hi Shawn. My original post has substantial lightening of the iris already. I think the iris looks better in your repost, but it's not as true to what the bird looks like. I'm curious how other forum members weigh in on the issue of how much to lighten.

[Greg Basco]

Doug, beautiful portrait and great job on the multi-flash. Is the 100 mm macro your new bird lens?

Cheers,
Greg

[Doug Brown]

Hey Greg! I thought I'd travel light on the Costa Rica trip next April; why lug the 500 around when you can get stuff like this with the 100 f/2.8!

[Arthur Morris]

Lovely BKGR, light, great sharpness, neat pose and open bill. Not too shabby.

[Lana Hays]

Doug
This is beautiful. An unusual pose, wonderful BG and fantastic detail. I don't think the eye needs any more "lightening" as you might risk losing a "natural" look. Well done.

[bill kominsky]

Would expect nothing less than STUNNING Doug, but I do agree with Shawn about the eye, another winner, a very big fan.

Bill

[Greg Basco]

Doug, great idea on the 100 mm for Costa Rica. Buy the new 5DII w/21 MP, and you can just crop like crazy.

Cheers,
Greg